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1/72 Hasegawa F6F-3/5 Hellcat [U.S. Navy Carrier-Based Fighter] 00241
1/72 Hasegawa F6F-3/5 Hellcat [U.S. Navy Carrier-Based Fighter] 00241
1/72 Hasegawa F6F-3/5 Hellcat [U.S. Navy Carrier-Based Fighter] 00241
1/72 Hasegawa F6F-3/5 Hellcat [U.S. Navy Carrier-Based Fighter] 00241

1/72 Hasegawa F6F-3/5 Hellcat [U.S. Navy Carrier-Based Fighter] 00241

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SKU: HSG241
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The F6F Hellcat was a carrier-based fighter developed by the renowned Grumman Corporation as the successor to the F4F Wildcat. Alongside the F4U Corsair, it became one of the mainstay aircraft of the U.S. Navy during the latter half of World War II.

On June 30, 1941, a prototype order was issued for the XF6F-1, and the XF6F-3 made its first flight in June 1942.

However, the initial aircraft lacked sufficient horsepower and did not meet performance expectations, so the engine was promptly replaced with the powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp. Deliveries of production aircraft began in November 1942, and by January 1943, the first F6F squadron, VF-9, was formed. Training aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex began, with the goal of defeating the Japanese Zero fighter.

By the end of 1943, a total of 2,545 F6F-3 units had been delivered. Of these, 252 were loaned to the United Kingdom under a lend-lease agreement. Starting in July 1943, they were assigned to the British Fleet Air Arm, and by December, they were participating in combat operations, with some deployed to the Indian Ocean for missions against Japan.

The F6F-5 was a refined production model based on the late F6F-3, equipped with the same R-2800-10W engine. However, it featured minor redesigns to the engine cowling, canopy, ailerons, and tail section. The rear visibility window behind the movable canopy was also removed. Additionally, its armor protection was enhanced.

Although the F6F was large and heavy relative to its engine output and not considered a masterpiece in terms of performance, it was rugged, highly maneuverable, and had excellent armor protection. It could withstand damage well and had a low attrition rate. Combined with its massive production total of 12,272 units and Japan’s delays in developing a successor to the Zero, the Hellcat achieved a far more illustrious combat record than its raw specs might suggest.

Specifications:

  • Crew: 1
  • Wingspan: 13.06 m
  • Length: 10.23 m
  • Height: 4.9 m
  • Wing Area: 31 m²
  • Engine: Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W
  • Takeoff Power: 2,100 hp
  • Range: 1,750 km
  • Maximum Speed: 594 km/h (at 7,300 m altitude)
  • Armament:
    • 12.7 mm machine guns x 6
    • 20 mm cannons x 2 + 12.7 mm machine guns x 4
    • 450 kg bombs x 2